Aleumination batch #1 - The Indoctrinator

[Rob DeNunzio]

I titled this "#1" because I think it has potential to turn into a series, which could be loads of fun for all us homebrewers (and those thinking about becoming homebrewers, to boot). Discussion about putting together an "Aleuminati Special Ale" has been bandied about for the past few months, the last benchmark being "we'll do it when there's 200 members on the site", which actually happened a couple weeks ago. That said, I've collected some of the comments here to get us started on what could be a very entertaining little project...

"This truly special brew would have to have a thick, billowy head at least 2 or 3 inches thick, which would reduce to no less than an inch. There would be lace all the way down the glass. The aroma must be complex enough to keep you guessing about the one element you can't quite place. You would constantly ask yourself "What is that?". The color should be deep enough to hold the light as it passes through, a deep, deep color. Something like a luminous copper bronze.

This beer should be at least 9-10 percent ABV, not a session beer... a single or double per night.

Maybe we should take a look at the truly great beers throughout history and gather their common qualities. "

"It would have to be Belgian-ish of course, double digit ABV."

"We can't discount the nose either ... most of what we taste, after all, is really a function of the nose ... I can't get enough of beers like St. Bernardus Abt 12 or Rochefort 10 ... that warm, sugary malt character dancing with fruity esters and a dash of coconut ..."

"A blend of "perfect" pints. The floating aromatic mystery ingrediant is a must."

"We should get a label design to so folks can package it after they brew and spread the word about craft beer, home brews and the aleuminati... I like the idea of making something even us novice brewers could make though... Should be a craft newbie friendly style/recipe too... Nothing over the top that will scare off the macro-lovers..."

In the spirit of the Open Source Beer Project, let's make this a collaborative recipe, one that could be made by a complete homebrew neophyte or a scaled up for a seasoned pro, and with the idea that the resultant beer could not only satisfy a true beer snob, but also act as a gateway beer for the budding beer snob.

From my own experience, Belgian dubbels and the like are perfect introductory beers for those who have yet to tuck into the stuff we all seem to take for granted. Besides being relatively easy on the palate, they also come with just enough (cue the monk music) solemn mystery to inspire folks to taste a little more deeply on their first take (and by deeply, I do not mean via beer bong). That said, a dubbel seems to fit in with the Aleuminati idea of a good namesake "special ale", Before I chime in with my own recipe ideas, though, I'd love for other, likely more experienced brewers, to get in the game here and start this recipe rolling.

Oh, and art? Who wants to do that? If we all decide to brew this on our own terms, how great to be able to share it in a hip, branded fashion?

And like I said, this is batch "#1". We can do the triple smoked imperial sour wheat stout (with boysenberries (and oak)) next time...

[Rob DeNunzio]

All I can say is... I've got everyone's bottles now, alongside some really exciting homebrews and some otherwise unavailable craft brews, and wow. Happy Thanksgiving, indeed! I think Ray and Matt ought to be getting mine tomorrow, poor Shawn and Preston early next week. Can't wait for the round of tasting!

And Ray: Spectacular choice of bonus bottle. I feel I owe you...

Ray Grace said:

Alesmith is easily done, any particular styles you like?

[Ray Grace]

Not a problem sir, it's my pleasure, enjoy.

Have a great Thanksgiving everybody.

Ray

Rob DeNunzio said:

All I can say is... I've got everyone's bottles now, alongside some really exciting homebrews and some otherwise unavailable craft brews, and wow. Happy Thanksgiving, indeed! I think Ray and Matt ought to be getting mine tomorrow, poor Shawn and Preston early next week. Can't wait for the round of tasting!

And Ray: Spectacular choice of bonus bottle. I feel I owe you...

Ray Grace said:

Alesmith is easily done, any particular styles you like?

[Shawn, the Beer Philosopher]

Likewise - everyone have an enjoyable and safe Thanksgiving Day. Doubt I'll be online much tomorrow, so I'll extend my well-wishes to each of you now. Hope everyone enjoys the respective brews.

After we've all recovered from the weekend, let's solidify our Indoctrinator virtual tasting session, no?

Cheers!

[Useless Brewing]

After a rather extensive Computer recovery, I'm back online. Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving. I believe ray should be receiving his batch from me this coming week. I will keep watch on this post for the upcoming tasting session.
Cheers
Preston

The Beer Philosopher said:

Likewise - everyone have an enjoyable and safe Thanksgiving Day. Doubt I'll be online much tomorrow, so I'll extend my well-wishes to each of you now. Hope everyone enjoys the respective brews.

After we've all recovered from the weekend, let's solidify our Indoctrinator virtual tasting session, no?

Cheers!

[Shawn, the Beer Philosopher]

Got Ray's box last night. Looking forward to the Saison. When Rob's arrives, I'll have everyone's. How about everyone else ... still waiting on any shipments?

[Ray Grace]

Got Rob's box last night, just waiting on one from Preston and I'm set.

Ray

The Beer Philosopher said:

Got Ray's box last night. Looking forward to the Saison. When Rob's arrives, I'll have everyone's. How about everyone else ... still waiting on any shipments?

[gisbrewmaster]

I have them all.

I had the goose island last night and it was really nice. Its kind of funny I know it wasn't a wet hop harvest ale but it kind of tasted like one.

Ray Grace said:

Got Rob's box last night, just waiting on one from Preston and I'm set.

Ray

The Beer Philosopher said:

Got Ray's box last night. Looking forward to the Saison. When Rob's arrives, I'll have everyone's. How about everyone else ... still waiting on any shipments?

[Useless Brewing]

Ray should be receiving his package tomorrow.

Cheers
Preston

[Ray Grace]

Thanks Preston,
Isn't it wonderful to come home to beer on your doorstep?

Useless Brewing said:

Ray should be receiving his package tomorrow.

Cheers
Preston

[Ray Grace]

By the way, a coworker of my wife had a beer tasting party on Saturday night and I took a couple of bottles on Indoctrinator with me among other things and it seemed to be a big hit. I think we put together a pretty good recipe.

[Ray Grace]

The beers from Preston arrived last night, I think that's the final shipment. Can't wait to start trying them.


Ray Grace said:

Thanks Preston,
Isn't it wonderful to come home to beer on your doorstep?

Useless Brewing said:

Ray should be receiving his package tomorrow.

Cheers
Preston

[Useless Brewing]

So lets set a date and time for the tasting for the tasting. I'm ready to try everyone's beer to see how they differ!